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3.84 AVERAGE
3.84 AVERAGE
emotional
lighthearted
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
loved the topics of the justice system & school-to-prison pipeline, the found family, and the romance buildup. but if i had to reread or if i knew beforehand how it would end, i’d stop right after their i love you’s and make up my own happily ever after ending because what we actually get is a bittersweet, unsatisfying ending to a story that could’ve been so much more had the last tenth of the book gone in a different direction.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Gun violence, Sexual assault, Sexual harassment, Classism
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Violence
Minor: Addiction, Alcoholism, Drug abuse, Rape, Abandonment, Alcohol
I'm not quite sure what to think of this one...I'm hoping that by typing out my review I can come to some sort of conclusion.
So the premise: Boy goes to jail/juvie for a crime he didn't commit. Enters a second chance program the governor founded. Agrees to be spokesperson for said program. Meets the governors daughter. Falls in love. Drama ensues.
So let's get out of the way the things I didn't like:
- the fact that the MC called himself Drix. Yes, this may be nitpicking, but every time I read his name I read Drips or Drax. That last one was especially comical because then I would start picturing the MC as looking like this
-Elle's parents who pretty much just pimp out their daughter this entire book. (Like literally, they arrange for a kisscam between their daughter and an appropriate man choice without telling her about it). Her mother makes her dye her hair a different shade of blonde that's more pleasing to the focus groups. Same with not allowing her to wear glasses, because well, the people don't like glasses. But here's some extra blue contacts to make your fake eye color pop.
-Elle herself. She basically lets herself be a doormat and a Barbie doll.
-the sexism and sexual assault that Elle just lets happen.
-Holiday - Drix's sister. Worst sister ever
-and the worst partSHE FUCKING KILLED THE DOG. LIKE STRAIGHT UP MURDERED THE DOG
Whew, now that that is out of the way. Let's move on to better things. Like what I did like:
-ThorUNTIL SHE KILLED HIM - will never not be angry at that
-Drax, sorry, I mean Drix, himself was a really good character. He wanted to do right by his family and really believed in the program that saved his life.
-The way that Elle and Drix believed in each other and pushed each other.
-The positive portrayal of a second chance program and showing the struggles those type of programs face trying to get ahead
-Showing how messed up our justice system is. Even if this was a very dramatic showing, the fact is, our system needs work.
See what I mean? There were high points and there were low points. And this is my struggle with a lot of McGarry's work. She comes up with some good points and plots, but I feel like they never really hit their mark. And it's frustrating.
Also, I'm not sure what the title or the cover have to do with the book. I'm assuming the Ferris wheel is because they met at a Midway fair type thing? But whatever, it's pretty.
So the premise: Boy goes to jail/juvie for a crime he didn't commit. Enters a second chance program the governor founded. Agrees to be spokesperson for said program. Meets the governors daughter. Falls in love. Drama ensues.
So let's get out of the way the things I didn't like:
- the fact that the MC called himself Drix. Yes, this may be nitpicking, but every time I read his name I read Drips or Drax. That last one was especially comical because then I would start picturing the MC as looking like this
-Elle's parents who pretty much just pimp out their daughter this entire book. (Like literally, they arrange for a kisscam between their daughter and an appropriate man choice without telling her about it). Her mother makes her dye her hair a different shade of blonde that's more pleasing to the focus groups. Same with not allowing her to wear glasses, because well, the people don't like glasses. But here's some extra blue contacts to make your fake eye color pop.
-Elle herself. She basically lets herself be a doormat and a Barbie doll.
-the sexism and sexual assault that Elle just lets happen.
-Holiday - Drix's sister. Worst sister ever
-and the worst part
Whew, now that that is out of the way. Let's move on to better things. Like what I did like:
-Thor
-Drax, sorry, I mean Drix, himself was a really good character. He wanted to do right by his family and really believed in the program that saved his life.
-The way that Elle and Drix believed in each other and pushed each other.
-The positive portrayal of a second chance program and showing the struggles those type of programs face trying to get ahead
-Showing how messed up our justice system is. Even if this was a very dramatic showing, the fact is, our system needs work.
See what I mean? There were high points and there were low points. And this is my struggle with a lot of McGarry's work. She comes up with some good points and plots, but I feel like they never really hit their mark. And it's frustrating.
Also, I'm not sure what the title or the cover have to do with the book. I'm assuming the Ferris wheel is because they met at a Midway fair type thing? But whatever, it's pretty.
This was a quick read! I needed something light between my studies and it delivered. The main character was sort of irritating, but it was an interesting story that kept me page turning. The ending was little drawn out and the writing was stunted at times, which made it confusing. Other wise, it was a pretty good story!
I usually love Katie's books but this one didn't capture me like they normally do. I think I failed to connect with the characters in a way that really had me invested in their story. Maybe this wasn't a good choice for an audiobook. Whatever the reason, I just didn't love this one as much as I anticipated given my previous experiences with the author's work.
A boy trapped in a broken system.
A girl trapped in the prison of perfection.
A story of how opposites most definitely attract, but more importantly how they show you what you can't always see on your own.
Katie McGarry writes these books where you fall in love with the characters, swoon at the young love, and become enraged at the broken systems. And I LOVE the recurring theme of mentors who prove that some adults will never stop fighting for these victims of the system. These books are far too meaningful to be labeled as "fluffy"; more like these characters need a freaking break after the hell they survive. I'd say this book was one of my favorites of hers, but honestly I love them all equally because you can't help but become so invested in each and every one of her protagonists. A feat that guarantees her on the "Must-Read" list. Always.
A girl trapped in the prison of perfection.
A story of how opposites most definitely attract, but more importantly how they show you what you can't always see on your own.
Katie McGarry writes these books where you fall in love with the characters, swoon at the young love, and become enraged at the broken systems. And I LOVE the recurring theme of mentors who prove that some adults will never stop fighting for these victims of the system. These books are far too meaningful to be labeled as "fluffy"; more like these characters need a freaking break after the hell they survive. I'd say this book was one of my favorites of hers, but honestly I love them all equally because you can't help but become so invested in each and every one of her protagonists. A feat that guarantees her on the "Must-Read" list. Always.
I found this book kind of frustrating. I liked Hendrix and I like Ellis as characters. Their backstories were unique enough and strong enough to hold my attention throughout the book.
Hendrix(Drix) is just released from the second chance program, a youth program for first time offenders meant to address the school-to-prison pipeline. He has a pretty interesting family and he trying to make the best of a rough situation, which includes being the governor's spokesperson for the program at press junkets and fundraisers.
Ellison is the daughter of the governor of Kentucky, and feels trapped by the expectations that her parents put on her to be the picture of perfection. What she really wants is to be a tech geek who writes code and be her own person.
What I found irritating about this book is that Drix is muscly, dark, broody, and handsome, while Elle is skinny, blonde, blue eyed. Jeez. Could we get more predictable. I know this is published by Harlequin, but come on! I also found myself rolling my eyes and sighing when they overflow with their love for each other. A lot of their exclamations of love for one another is cliche and overly dramatic. At one point Elle even uses the hackneyed old phrase, "eyes are the window to soul." Ugh, really? She calls Drix magical about a billion times throughout their short love affair. He calls Elle perfect just as many. Barf.
If you like romance stories that are an easy read, then this is the book for you. However, if you're looking for something a bit more complicated and unique, you should go read I'll Give You the Sun.
Hendrix(Drix) is just released from the second chance program, a youth program for first time offenders meant to address the school-to-prison pipeline. He has a pretty interesting family and he trying to make the best of a rough situation, which includes being the governor's spokesperson for the program at press junkets and fundraisers.
Ellison is the daughter of the governor of Kentucky, and feels trapped by the expectations that her parents put on her to be the picture of perfection. What she really wants is to be a tech geek who writes code and be her own person.
What I found irritating about this book is that Drix is muscly, dark, broody, and handsome, while Elle is skinny, blonde, blue eyed. Jeez. Could we get more predictable. I know this is published by Harlequin, but come on! I also found myself rolling my eyes and sighing when they overflow with their love for each other. A lot of their exclamations of love for one another is cliche and overly dramatic. At one point Elle even uses the hackneyed old phrase, "eyes are the window to soul." Ugh, really? She calls Drix magical about a billion times throughout their short love affair. He calls Elle perfect just as many. Barf.
If you like romance stories that are an easy read, then this is the book for you. However, if you're looking for something a bit more complicated and unique, you should go read I'll Give You the Sun.
Unfortunately I think this is my least favourite Katie McGarry book. But in saying that, I still highly enjoyed it. It had the right characters and the story was strong, however I just didn't feel like there was enough passion or flow throughout the book. I also found it a bit too PG for me.
3.5 stars.
3.5 stars.
"SAY YOU'LL REMEMBER ME, standing in a nice dress, staring at the sunset, babe..."
This title always made me think of the Taylor Swift Song, and the book evoked the same warm, nostalgic feeling. Drix and Elle came from completely different worlds, and it was fascinating to see that fuse light up. Granted, it veered a bit too far into "instalove" territory for me, but I still enjoyed the journey. Drix has gone through some messed up stuff, and this book raises a lot of issues that I feel ill-equipped to address. It's all just so UNFAIR.
I almost wish Drix was a bit more broken; a bit less redeemable as a person. It's fair that he wasn't the greatest person before, but I'd love to read about someone like Marcus finding love — someone who really did something wrong, and truly needed this second chance to reintegrate back into society. Someone who was a bit more terrible than Drix. It would just make the story less clean-cut. That being said, Katie McGarry did a good job crafting this plot point, and you will care about it. That's good writing, right there.
This title always made me think of the Taylor Swift Song, and the book evoked the same warm, nostalgic feeling. Drix and Elle came from completely different worlds, and it was fascinating to see that fuse light up. Granted, it veered a bit too far into "instalove" territory for me, but I still enjoyed the journey. Drix has gone through some messed up stuff, and this book raises a lot of issues that I feel ill-equipped to address. It's all just so UNFAIR.
I almost wish Drix was a bit more broken; a bit less redeemable as a person. It's fair that he wasn't the greatest person before, but I'd love to read about someone like Marcus finding love — someone who really did something wrong, and truly needed this second chance to reintegrate back into society. Someone who was a bit more terrible than Drix. It would just make the story less clean-cut. That being said, Katie McGarry did a good job crafting this plot point, and you will care about it. That's good writing, right there.